Vessels of gold and silver are forbidden according to the texts of Islam and according to scholarly consensus. It was proven that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do not drink from vessels of gold and silver; do not eat from plates of gold and silver, because they are for them in this world and for you in the Hereafter.” (Saheeh, agreed upon; from the hadeeth of Hudhayfah may Allaah be pleased with him). And it was proven that he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever eats and drinks from vessels of gold and silver, is taking fire from Hell into his belly.” (Saheeh, agreed upon; from the hadeeth of Umm Salamah, may Allaah be pleased with him; this version was narrated by Muslim). 

It is not permissible to use gold and silver as vessels, whether for eating or drinking. The same applies to things used for wudoo’ and ghusl.  All of that is haraam according to the hadeeth of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). These things should not be sold so that Muslims will not use them. Allaah has forbidden us to use them so they should not be used for drinking, eating or any other purpose. It is not permissible to use them in spoons, coffee cups or teacups; all of that is forbidden, because these are kinds of vessels. 

So the Muslim should avoid that which Allaah has forbidden and keep away from extravagance and wasting wealth. If he has ample wealth then there are poor people to whom he can give charity; there are mujaahideen fighting for the sake of Allaah to whom he can donate. He should give in charity, not fool about with his wealth. There are those who need his wealth.  

So the believer must dispose of his wealth in charitable ways, such as giving to the poor and needy, in building and maintaining mosques and schools, repairing roads and bridges, helping the mujaahideen and poor migrants, and other ways, such as paying off the debts of those who are in dire straits, and helping those who cannot afford to get married to do so. These are all good things on which we are encouraged to spend. 

As for wasting wealth by buying vessels, spoons, cups or bathroom fixtures of gold and silver, and the like, all of that is reprehensible and we should avoid that and warn others against it. Whoever has any position of status in countries where such things are done, such as scholars and rulers, should denounce that and prevent the extravagant from indulging in such things. And Allaah is the One Whose help we seek.